The Shulchan Aruch gives
precise specifications concerning the requirements of form, appearance,
and texture of the Arba Minim(the Four Species): Esrog, Lulav,
Hadassim, Aravot.
The Esrog
A superior Esrog is of medium size, its bright yellow surface is
furrowed and covered with Blitos, bumps (a feature which distinguishes
it from the ordinary lemon). To be considered ritually fit, the
Esrog must be shaped "like a tower"--its bottom larger
than its top. The Pitom, the flowered blossom at the tip of the
fruit, and Uketz, the stem which is sunk into the broad base, must
be examined carefully to make sure that both are present and intact.
(If the Pitom falls off or is broken during Sukkot, a rabbi should
be consulted. To avoid this problem, many people prefer to use Esrogim
which grow without Pitoms) The Pitom should be directly in line
above the Uketz
The Lulav
The Lulav is a small, young branch of the date palm. The leaves--two-fold
and spear-headed--are linked to a solid central stem. Near the pointed
tip of the Lulav, the spine splits into two double-leaves called
Te-yomes, twins. The points of the Te-yomes should not be split.
The backs of the leaves should be light green, the fronts white.
A select Lulav
has a straight spine, against which the leaves lie flat, covering
and overlapping one another.
Hadassim
The oval leaves of the Hadass cover the myrtle branch from top to
bottom in groups of three, growing from one stem. The top of the
branches should not be broken off, and should overlap the stems
of the upper leaves. Three Hadassim are required for the mitzvah
of the Arba Minim.
Aravot
The Arava, willow requires a great amount of water, and so it
is commonly found near streams, ponds, or rivers. Select Aravot
have long, slender green leaves with smooth edges, and a straight,
reddish stem. Two Aravot are needed to complete the Arba Minim.
Each
one of our sets include one Esrog, one Lulav, three Haddasim
and two Aravot
